Today I led the team to battle at the IBJJF American Nationals. It was great to compete with so many of my students and training partners and I am excited about the future of our association. In the brown belt division Manuel Diaz in his first competition with his new belt, submitted everyone to take home the gold! In the final of the absolute he battled AJ Agazam losing 2-0 in a controversial match. Victor Paschal also did well finishing third in his division and the absolute.
In the black belt division Osvaldo “Queixinho” Augusto defeated the favorite, Phillipe Della Monica and closed out his division with former team mate Augusto “Tanquino” Mendes. Samir Chantre fighting for the first time in the middle weight division had an amazing performance to take home the gold. Samir also finished third in the absolute!
Since no one registered for rooster I decided to fight the absolute. After a good semifinal I faced a tough opponent in Bruno Antunes (who had earlier won his division). After ten minutes I lost a tough split decision. Congrats to everyone who competed, next up for the team No-gi!!
